Racquel and her husband have always been passionate farmers. In 2003 the Pukara Estate brand was launched and Racquel and Steve have been manage Pukara’s operations across Australia ever since. As the years passed by their business and passion for olive oil production continued to grow.
From Racquel’s passion, Earth & Grace Skincare was born. For many years, Racquel enjoyed natural skincare and now she is proud and privileged to have created an olive oil skincare range that uses Pukara Estate olive oil and natural ingredients of her choosing.
Continue reading to find out a bit more about Racquel’s journey and what she enjoys most about the Upper Hunter!
What inspired you to create Earth & Grace Skincare? What was your ‘a-Ha’ moment?
To be honest there wasn’t an ‘a-Ha’ moment as such. It was more the fact we had to become more creative with what we had. We had the ability to produce beautiful olive oil that customers enjoy, and we saw the opportunity to expand our product range by creating a natural olive oil skin care range.
What has been the most challenging thing you’ve faced in business so far?
Sourcing quality packaging through Australian companies. It has been very difficult to acquire packaging locally at an affordable price.
And the best?
Producing skincare products that benefits others. I have personally had sensitive skin and I know others do to. It’s a nice hear the feedback from others where the skincare is assisting and benefiting their skin.
Anything exciting in the works for Earth & Grace Skincare?
New products to add to the range! We have a body scrub in the works that uses the olive pits. I’ve also received numerous enquiries from customers interested in a face cream. Interestingly, I’ve also been asked to produce candles, as customers love the fragrance of the E&G range.
What’s your typical day look like?
All over the place. From, office work to packing orders to product development. I don’t really have a typical day. I am notorious for filling my days. There is always something to do!
Who inspires you the most?
Firstly I can say my kids inspire me both in different ways; one of the girls is always really positive in everything she does, then the other can’t wait to go on an adventure, and there is my husband. He inspires me with his passion and determination to keep going… and seriously I just go, ‘how do you do that?’, because I don’t know whether I could do it with the same intensity he does every day.
And then there are everyday people; people I work with, people I meet during my normal daily activities and people I watch on TV or read about, dealing with what life has thrown at them in the most gracious and brave way. So yes… it is not just one person, lots of people inspire me every day!
You have visitors – what do you show them? What is the best thing they should discover about or in the Upper Hunter and why?
We often visit the local cellar doors. We enjoy a cheese platter and wine overlooking the beautiful landscape of the Upper Hunter Valley!
What time of year should people visit the Upper Hunter and why?
I think Autumn is a beautiful time of year in the Upper Hunter. Crisp mornings, with sunny clear days.
What are you currently reading or binging on TV?
Well….. at the moment, Masterchef. Our kids love cooking shows and we enjoy cooking a lot at home. We have a great time together watching and discussing the recipes on the show.
One thing you can’t live without while in lockdown?
The great outdoors. Living on the farm allows me to walk and clear my head from the pressures of life.
To find out more about Racquel’s Earth & Grace Skincare products, visit the website below. Plus keep update with the latest news via Facebook and Instagram.
https://earthandgraceskincare.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/earthandgraceskincare/
https://www.instagram.com/earthandgraceskincare/
